The crossroads of music and activism is among our favorite topics here at I Hope You're not Squeamish. So we are pleased to present to you Skanking and Moshing for a Cause. Out of King of Prussia, PA, 18 year old Evan Garo (sometimes Phoenix) is keeping basement shows alive in the suburbs and, as their name suggests, proceeds from all their events and releases are dedicated to charity. In his senior year of high school, Evan held two shows in his parents' basement to complete his senior graduation project. The money made from one went to help his folks purchase a ramp for Evan's wheelchair bound father, who has Multiple Sclerosis. The other show's door fees, $350, were donated to the National M.S. Society. Last month, Skanking and Moshing for a Cause put out a 26 song benefit cd featuring tracks by 26 different bands, many of them from the Philly area and a decent amount picked from Garo's own backyard in the suburbs west and north of the city.This is exactly what we love to see. Young people keeping it local, trying to put something positive together using the resources available to them, and then turning around and reinvesting in society instead of themselves. Evan is passionate about DIY shows and said that there are a few halls and churches out near him that are supportive of homegrown music, but the events are usually indie rock or cover band oriented. By hosting the event himself, Garo can make sure that punk and ska bands can have a well coordinated, smooth running event that draws a decent crowd. Skanking/Moshing hopes to book other events in the future, this time setting their sights on the plight of child soldiers in Africa. He admits that he is aiming high, but is quick to point out that even his small contribution affects the kids who go to his shows and hopefully that effect ripples out.
Garo and Skanking and Moshing for a Cause balances high hopes with measure of realistic goals and pragmatism. While he wants to book benefit shows at bars and real clubs, he is willing to book shows in basements, even his own, for as long as it takes for the word to spread. His sampler is a homemade CD-R and the art is photocopied 'zine style, but he has aspirations for a second benefit disc with more professional presentation. His PMA is pretty inspiring. And its contagious. Based solely on some limited web promotion and word of mouth, the shows that Skanking/Moshing threw brought together well over a dozen bands (over the two nights, all of which donated their time and talent), a couple of hundred dollars that was donated to charity, and gave 50 or so kids something positive to do with their weekend. Not too shabby for an 18 year old kid trying it out for the first time.
The best part is, the music is not even terrible. Garo's tastes obviously are weighted towards the ska and reggae inspired punk and he manages to avoid the terrible, terrible hardcore that dominates so many basement shows. Not every band on the benefit CD is a winner, but there were some nice surprises in there, with a couple of two-tone styled bands that obviously know the history of their sub genre, and can really play tunes that are genuinely rockin' steady. If you don't like horns, this sampler isn't going to be for you, but with an open mind, and only 5 bucks that will be donated to a good cause, you can hear a couple of bands that will be playing (and some that already do), legitimate venues in Philly. In particular, be on the lookout for the Sheckies, the Mahlors and the Heavy Beat, all featured on the Skanking/Moshing comp, at a club/basement near you.
We wish Skanking and Moshing for a Cause the best of luck. For an organization that is still just a puppy with room to grow, they seem to have a pretty good head on their shoulders. We here at I Hope You're not Squeamish can't wait to see what else Evan and his crew of bands are able to put together in the future. Please check out their myspace page for more information on upcoming shows, releases and other charitable events. Also, we will second Skanking/Moshing's suggestions that you support both the National MS Society and UNICEF for the freedom of child soldiers in Africa and world wide. Both of these organizations do good work that benefits thousands of people--the victims of these tragic circumstances and their families.
Skanking and Moshing for a Cause
UNICEF
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